In this episode, Brad Zapp, co-founder of Connetic Ventures, shares how he left wealth management to pioneer AI-powered founder analysis and launch one of the first advisor-accessible venture capital interval funds. We dive into his journey building Wendell, an AI “psychologist” that quantifies founder traits, and why making private markets more accessible isn’t just innovation—it’s a necessity. For any advisor looking to bridge the public-private gap without sacrificing ease or scale, this episode delivers a bold new blueprint.

Key takeaways:

 * AI can quantify founder psychology and improve early-stage investment decisions.
 * Interval fund structures remove barriers for advisors and their mass affluent clients.
 * Access to private markets is essential as companies stay private longer and public markets shrink.

Connect with us!

 * Brad Zapp on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zapper/]
 * Connetic Ventures [https://conneticventures.com/about-us/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What’s the Alternative? | Episode 22 | From Advisor to VC: How AI and Access Are Reshaping Venture Capital with Brad Zapp

What do elite school districts have to do with resilient real estate investing? In this episode, Sean O’Dowd, Managing Partner of Scholastic Capital, shares how his “Scholastic Thesis” turns high-demand education zones into a powerful, defensive investment strategy. With multi-year leases, strict buy-box criteria, and a data-driven mindset, his approach offers stability in uncertain markets. He also unpacks the growing insurance crisis in states like Florida and why it may reshape U.S. real estate for years to come.

Key takeaways:

 * Multi-year leases in elite school districts create predictable income and economic stability.
 * A disciplined 17-point property selection process limits risk and maximizes tenant satisfaction.
 * Skyrocketing insurance costs may spark major demographic shifts in the U.S. real estate market.

Connect with us below!

 * Sean O’Dowd on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-odowd/]
 * Scholastic Capital [https://scholasticcapital.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 26 | How Elite School Districts Became a Billion-Dollar Investment Strategy with Sean O’Dowd

What do interest rate hikes really mean for your bond portfolio?

In this episode, Shana is joined by Michael Sedacca, Partner and Portfolio Manager at Rareview Capital, to break down how Federal Reserve policy cycles impact fixed income investing. From one of the most aggressive rate-hiking cycles in history to tactical opportunities in closed-end funds, Michael offers clear insights into what today’s interest rate environment means for investors.

We cover:

 * How the Fed’s 5.5% rate hike cycle has shaped the bond market
 * Why early homeowners with sub-4% mortgage rates are in a uniquely lucky position
 * How closed-end funds can offer value through shifting premiums and discounts
 * The surprising opportunities in commercial real estate and AAA-rated securities yielding 8–9%

Tune in to gain a clearer view of the bond market, interest rates, and smart strategies for what's ahead.

Connect with us!

 * Michael Sedacca on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sedacca-32649851/]
 * Rareview Capital LLC [https://rareviewcapital.com/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What’s the Alternative? | Episode 21 | Finding Yield in a Volatile Market with Michael Sedacca

Connor Lapean, Investment Research Associate at Banríon Capital Management, opens up about breaking into alternative investments while still in college. From battling imposter syndrome to embracing AI and spotting opportunities in private credit, Connor shares what it really takes to earn trust and grow fast in a high-stakes industry.

With a grounded mindset and a no-excuses attitude, he shows how Gen Z is reshaping finance—one bold move at a time.

Connect with us below!

 * Connor Lapean on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-lapean/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 25 | Gen Z Grit in the Finance Industry with Connor Lapean

On this episode, Shana talks with H. Adam Holt, founder of Asset-Map, a software that turns complex financial data into simple, visual maps that spark better conversations and smarter decisions. From high-net-worth planning to alternatives and family dynamics, this tool helps advisors organize everything — income, assets, liabilities, and even family relationships — in one powerful snapshot.

The result? Deeper trust, stronger multi-generational connections, and revenue that multiplies.

Connect with us!

 * H. Adam Holt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadamholt/]
 * Asset-Map [http://www.asset-map.com/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 20 | The Missing Piece in Your Client Relationships with H. Adam Holt

On this episode Shana brings on Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, who breaks down hospitality investments, operational strategies, and market dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Operational management in hospitality

• Airbnb's impact on the traditional hotel market

• Geographical factors influencing investment decisions

• Credit and equity investments

• The evolving commercial real estate landscape

Connect with us!

 * Greg Friedman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-friedman-0312192?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BW%2B%2F7ErysTjagphrCGQU5VQ%3D%3D]
 * Peach Tree Group [http://www.peachtreehotelgroup.com/]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 19 | Real Estate, Ego Investing and Heads in Beds with Greg Friedman

This episode features Neil Azous, Founder and CIO at Rareview Capital, and his insights from working at Goldman Sachs and the evolution of investment management towards a more personalized, goals-driven approach.

Neil breaks down:

• His career journey from inspiration to industry expert

• The importance of goals-based investment management

• Emotional decision-making in finance

• Global macro trading

• The perception of risk and the mindset of underdog investors

Connect with us below!

 * Neil Azous on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilazous/]
 * Rareview Capital [https://rareviewcapital.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 24 | Rocky, the Underdogs, and Global Macro Trading with Neil Azous

In this episode, Shana talks with Sean O’Dowd of Scholastic Capital, who specializes in the residential housing market. Scholastic’s unique approach emphasizes school districts and their role in driving demand for housing.

Sean breaks down the current trends affecting the rental and housing markets, the implications of rising institutional investment, and strategies for investors to capitalize on these unique dynamics.

Connect with us!

 * Sean O’Dowd on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-odowd/]
 * Sean O’Dowd on Twitter [https://twitter.com/SeanODowd15/status/1688975410099326977]
 * Scholastic Capital [https://scholasticcapital.com/]
 * Scholastic Capital on Facebook [https://www.linkedin.com/company/scholastic-capital]
 * Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shsissel/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

What's the Alternative? | Episode 18 | Putting Your Money Where Your House Is with Sean O’Dowd

In this episode Brittany talks with Dr. Renée Baker, who shares her journey from corporate stability to entrepreneurial freedom, emphasizing the importance of courage, vulnerability, and financial education. She discusses strategies for preparing for financial emergencies, breaking the stigma around money conversations, and finding fulfillment in aligning one's passion with purpose.

They break down:

• Dr. Baker’s early money memories and their impact

• The transition from corporate career to entrepreneurship

• Essential attributes for becoming a successful entrepreneur

• Importance of financial preparedness and emergency planning

• Exploring alternative investments and market trends

• Overcoming financial setbacks through resilience

• Normalizing discussions about money in personal relationships

Connect with us below!

 * Dr. Renée Baker on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsreneebaker/]
 * The RBI Group [https://therbigroup.com/]
 * Dr. Renée Baker’s website [https://reneebaker.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 23 | Courage and Vulnerability in Entrepreneurship with Dr. Renée Baker

What do a fog machine, digital assets, and mentorship have in common? They’re all part of Jamie Hopkins’ journey in finance. From his childhood experiences with money to his career as foremost retirement expert, Jamie shares insights on building a secure financial future and shaping the next generation of advisors.

Connect with us below!

 * Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehopkinsfinancialservices/]
 * Bryn Mawr Trust [https://www.bmt.com/]
 * Brittany Mason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-mason-15811641/]
 * Banríon Capital Management [https://www.banrioncapital.com/]

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick | Episode 22 | Planning For the End, Preparing For the Future with Jamie Hopkins

Welcome to The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick. Banrion Capital Management uses technology to help independent advisors scale and educate themselves on alternative investments. Since education is such a big piece of the Banrion mission and business, we are excited to kick off this series to dive into the nits and grits of the alternatives space.

The Alternatives Mason: Building Alts Knowledge Brick by Brick

Join host Shana Orczyk Sissel, Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Management, as she interviews leaders in the alternative investment space. Learn more about their firms, their passions and about the many different ways investors can use alternative investments to add value in their investment portfolios.

What's the Alternative? Meet the Manager

Alternative investments don’t have to be complicated. Banrion Capital Management helps simplify investing in alternatives.

Banrion Capital Management

Shows